Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented method for providing resilience in a communications network including a plurality of routers and communications links between at least some of the plurality of routers, the method comprising: a) associating a network rerouting unit (NRU) with each of the plurality of routers; b) configuring each router so that if a link directly connected to the router fails, the router redirects any packets whose next hop is a port terminating an end of the failed link to the NRU associated with the router; c) executing a routing protocol on each of the NRUs whereby each NRU will learn a topology of the communications network; d) receiving by a first NRU, a packet redirected from the router associated with the first NRU; and e) responsive to receiving, by the first NRU, the packet redirected from the router associated with the first NRU, 1) identifying a link directly connected to the router as a failed link using (i) a destination address in the redirected packet, and (ii) the topology of the network learned by the first NRU, 2) determining an alternative path to the destination address of the redirected packet bypassing the identified failed link, and 3) tunneling the redirected packet to an intermediate node on, or associated with, the alternative path using encapsulation.
This invention relates to improving resilience in communications networks by dynamically rerouting traffic when a link fails. The problem addressed is the disruption caused by link failures in networks with multiple routers and communication links, where traditional routing protocols may take time to converge and reroute traffic. The solution involves associating a network rerouting unit (NRU) with each router in the network. Each router is configured to redirect packets to its associated NRU if the next-hop link fails. The NRUs execute a routing protocol to learn the network topology. When a packet is redirected due to a failed link, the receiving NRU identifies the failure using the packet's destination address and the learned topology. It then determines an alternative path bypassing the failed link and tunnels the packet to an intermediate node on this path using encapsulation. This approach enables faster rerouting without waiting for the network's routing protocol to reconverge, enhancing network resilience. The NRUs operate independently of the routers, allowing for decentralized and efficient failure recovery.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the intermediate node is determined by the first NRU such that both (1) the intermediate node does not include the identified failed link, and (2) a lowest cost path from the intermediate node to the destination address of the redirected packet does not include the identified failed link.
This invention relates to network routing in computer networks, specifically addressing the problem of efficiently rerouting packets when a network link fails. The method involves identifying a failed link in a network and determining an intermediate node for rerouting packets to avoid the failure. The intermediate node is selected such that it does not include the failed link in its path and ensures that the lowest cost path from the intermediate node to the destination address of the redirected packet also avoids the failed link. This ensures that packets are rerouted through a valid, optimal path while minimizing disruptions and maintaining network efficiency. The method dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time link failure detection, improving resilience and reliability in network communications. The solution is particularly useful in large-scale networks where quick and accurate rerouting is critical to maintaining performance and minimizing packet loss.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising: f) receiving, by the NRU associated with the intermediate node, the redirected packet tunneled; and g) responsive to receiving the redirected packet tunneled, determining, by the NRU associated with the intermediate node, the identified failed link even if the identified failed link is not directly connected with the intermediate node, using (i) a header of the encapsulation, (ii) a header of the redirected packet, and (iii) the topology of the communications network learned by the NRU associated with the intermediate node.
This invention relates to network routing and failure detection in communications networks, specifically addressing the challenge of identifying failed links that are not directly connected to an intermediate node. In a network, when a link fails, packets may be redirected through alternative paths. The method involves an intermediate node receiving a tunneled redirected packet, which contains an encapsulated original packet. The intermediate node, equipped with a Network Routing Unit (NRU), analyzes the packet to determine the failed link. The NRU uses three key pieces of information: the encapsulation header, the original packet header, and the network topology learned by the NRU. By examining these elements, the NRU can identify the failed link even if it is not directly connected to the intermediate node. The topology information allows the NRU to reconstruct the intended path and compare it with the actual path taken by the redirected packet, thereby pinpointing the failure. This approach enhances network resilience by enabling accurate failure detection without requiring direct connectivity between the intermediate node and the failed link. The method is particularly useful in large-scale networks where direct link monitoring is impractical.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising: adding, by the first NRU, information identifying the identified failed link to the redirected packet, wherein the information is added before tunneling the redirected packet to the intermediate node on or associated with the alternative path using encapsulation.
This invention relates to network routing and failure recovery in computer networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable packet redirection when a network link fails, ensuring minimal disruption to data transmission. The solution involves a method for handling failed links in a network by redirecting packets through an alternative path while preserving critical routing information. The method includes detecting a failed link in a network and identifying an alternative path to bypass the failure. A packet destined for a node affected by the failure is intercepted and redirected to an intermediate node on or associated with the alternative path. The packet is encapsulated for tunneling through the alternative path. Additionally, information identifying the failed link is added to the redirected packet before encapsulation, ensuring that the intermediate node or other network components can use this information for further routing decisions or failure analysis. This approach enhances network resilience by dynamically rerouting traffic while maintaining awareness of network failures, allowing for more informed routing adjustments. The method is particularly useful in large-scale networks where rapid failure detection and recovery are critical.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising: adding, by the first NRU, information identifying the identified failed link to the at least one new packet; and tunneling the at least one new packet to the intermediate node on or associated with the alternative path using encapsulation.
This invention relates to network routing and failure recovery in computer networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable rerouting of network traffic when a link failure is detected, ensuring minimal disruption to data transmission. The method involves a network routing unit (NRU) that detects a failed link in a network path. Upon detection, the NRU identifies an alternative path to bypass the failed link. The NRU then generates at least one new packet containing the original data and adds information to the new packet that identifies the failed link. This information helps downstream nodes understand the cause of the rerouting. The new packet is then tunneled to an intermediate node on or associated with the alternative path using encapsulation, ensuring secure and efficient transmission. The intermediate node processes the encapsulated packet, extracts the original data, and forwards it along the alternative path toward its destination. This approach improves network resilience by dynamically rerouting traffic around failures while maintaining data integrity and minimizing latency. The method is particularly useful in high-availability networks where uninterrupted service is critical.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising: determining whether or not there is a router in which both (1) a shortest path from the first NRU to the router does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, and (2) a shortest path from the router to a final destination of the redirected packet does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link; and responsive to a determination that there is a router in which both (1) a shortest path from the first NRU to the router does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, and (2) a shortest path from the router to a final destination of the redirected packet does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, setting the router as the intermediate node, and otherwise, responsive to a determination that there is no router in which both (1) a shortest path from the first NRU to the router does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, and (2) a shortest path from the router to a final destination of the redirected packet does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, setting another NRU as the intermediate node.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6 wherein the other NRU is a farthest one that the first NRU can reach without using any known failed links.
A method for optimizing network routing in a communication system involves determining a farthest network routing unit (NRU) that a first NRU can reach without using any known failed links. The system includes multiple NRUs interconnected by links, where some links may be identified as failed or unreliable. The method identifies a set of reachable NRUs from the first NRU, excluding those that require traversing any known failed links. From this set, the farthest NRU is selected based on the shortest path metric, such as hop count or latency, ensuring the path does not include any failed links. This approach improves network reliability by avoiding known failures while maximizing reachability. The method may be used in dynamic routing protocols to adapt to network changes, such as link failures or congestion, ensuring efficient and resilient data transmission. The selection of the farthest reachable NRU without failed links helps maintain connectivity and performance in degraded network conditions.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first NRU includes a first table having a plurality of entries, each of the plurality of entries of the first table mapping an address prefix to a router, and a second table having a plurality of entries, each of the plurality of entries of the second table mapping a router to either (A) an output port, or (B) an encapsulation rule.
The invention relates to network routing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and processing network routing information in high-speed data networks. The method involves a Network Routing Unit (NRU) that includes a first table and a second table to optimize packet forwarding decisions. The first table contains entries that map address prefixes to routers, allowing the system to determine the appropriate router for a given network address. The second table maps each router to either an output port or an encapsulation rule. When a packet arrives, the system first checks the first table to identify the router associated with the packet's address prefix. It then consults the second table to determine whether the packet should be sent directly to an output port or processed according to an encapsulation rule. This two-tiered approach improves routing efficiency by reducing lookup complexity and accelerating packet forwarding decisions. The system is particularly useful in high-performance networking environments where rapid and accurate routing is critical.
9. A network rerouting unit (NRU) for providing resilience in a communications network including a plurality of routers and communications links between at least some of the plurality of routers, the NRU being associated with one of the plurality of routers which is configured so that if a link directly connected to the router fails, the router redirects any packets whose next hop is a port terminating an end of the failed link to the NRU, the NRU comprising: a) a routing protocol module through which the NRU learns a topology of the communications network; and b) an input adapted to receive a packet redirected from the router associated with the NRU; and c) a packet processor adapted to, responsive to receiving the packet redirected from the router associated with the NRU, 1) identify a link directly connected to the router as a failed link using (i) a destination address in the redirected packet, and (ii) the topology of the network learned by the NRU, 2) determine an alternative path to the destination address of the redirected packet bypassing the identified failed link, and 3) tunnel the redirected packet to an intermediate node on, or associated with, the alternative path using encapsulation.
A network rerouting unit (NRU) enhances resilience in communications networks by dynamically rerouting traffic when a direct link failure occurs. The NRU is integrated with a router in the network, which redirects packets destined for a failed link to the NRU. The NRU includes a routing protocol module that continuously learns the network topology to maintain awareness of available paths. Upon receiving a redirected packet, the NRU identifies the failed link by comparing the packet's destination address with the known network topology. It then calculates an alternative path that bypasses the failed link and tunnels the packet to an intermediate node along this new path using encapsulation. This approach ensures continuous data flow without manual intervention, improving network reliability. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where rapid rerouting is critical, such as in high-availability networks or mission-critical applications. The NRU operates autonomously, leveraging real-time topology data to make intelligent routing decisions, thereby minimizing downtime and maintaining service continuity.
10. The NRU of claim 9 wherein the NRU is provided on a server.
A network resource utilization (NRU) system monitors and optimizes resource allocation in a computing environment. The system identifies underutilized or overutilized network resources, such as bandwidth, storage, or processing power, and dynamically reallocates them to improve efficiency. The NRU includes a monitoring module that tracks resource usage metrics in real-time, an analysis module that evaluates the data to detect inefficiencies, and an adjustment module that implements changes to resource distribution. The system may also incorporate predictive algorithms to anticipate future resource demands and preemptively adjust allocations. In some implementations, the NRU is deployed on a server, allowing centralized management of resources across multiple devices or network segments. This server-based approach enables scalable monitoring and control, particularly in large-scale or distributed computing environments. The NRU may further integrate with existing network management tools to provide a unified view of resource utilization and performance. By automating resource allocation, the system reduces manual intervention, minimizes downtime, and enhances overall network performance.
11. The NRU of claim 9 wherein the server further provides content caching.
A system for network resource utilization (NRU) optimization includes a server that monitors and manages network traffic to improve efficiency. The server identifies network congestion and dynamically adjusts data transmission rates to prevent bottlenecks. It also prioritizes critical traffic while throttling non-essential data to maintain performance. Additionally, the server implements content caching to reduce redundant data transfers, storing frequently accessed content locally to minimize bandwidth usage and latency. This caching mechanism works alongside traffic management to further enhance network efficiency. The system is designed for environments where network resources are limited or heavily utilized, ensuring reliable and high-performance data delivery. By combining dynamic rate adjustment, traffic prioritization, and content caching, the system optimizes overall network performance and reduces strain on infrastructure.
12. The NRU of claim 9 wherein the NRU is provided on a smart network interface card (NIC) on its associated router.
A network resource utilization (NRU) system is designed to monitor and optimize resource usage in a network environment. The system addresses inefficiencies in traditional network management by providing real-time insights into bandwidth, latency, and other performance metrics, enabling proactive adjustments to improve network efficiency. The NRU is implemented on a smart network interface card (NIC) integrated into a router, allowing direct access to network traffic data without requiring additional hardware. This integration ensures low-latency monitoring and rapid response to network conditions. The smart NIC includes processing capabilities to analyze traffic patterns, detect anomalies, and dynamically allocate resources based on demand. By embedding the NRU within the NIC, the system reduces overhead and enhances scalability, making it suitable for high-performance networking environments. The solution supports automated load balancing, congestion control, and quality-of-service (QoS) management, ensuring optimal performance for diverse applications. This approach eliminates the need for external monitoring tools, simplifying deployment and reducing costs. The NRU's ability to operate at the network interface level provides granular visibility and control, improving overall network reliability and efficiency.
13. NRU of claim 9 wherein the intermediate node is determined by the NRU such that both (1) the intermediate node does not include the identified failed link, and (2) a lowest cost path from the intermediate node to the destination address of the redirected packet does not include the identified failed link.
This invention relates to network routing, specifically to a method for rerouting packets in a network when a link failure is detected. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable packet delivery by dynamically determining an intermediate node for rerouting traffic around a failed link while minimizing network disruptions and maintaining efficient routing paths. The system identifies a failed link in the network and determines an intermediate node for rerouting packets. The intermediate node is selected such that it does not include the failed link in its path and ensures that the lowest cost path from the intermediate node to the destination address of the redirected packet also avoids the failed link. This ensures that the rerouted traffic does not inadvertently loop back through the failed link, maintaining network stability and efficiency. The method dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time network conditions, improving resilience and reducing packet loss during link failures. The solution is particularly useful in large-scale networks where quick and efficient rerouting is critical for maintaining service continuity.
14. The NRU of claim 9 wherein the packet processor is further adapted to, responsive to receiving the packet redirected from the router associated with the NRU, add, information identifying the identified failed link to the redirected packet, wherein the information is added before tunneling the redirected packet to the intermediate node on or associated with the alternative path using encapsulation.
This invention relates to network redundancy units (NRUs) in communication networks, specifically addressing the problem of link failures and ensuring continuous data flow by rerouting traffic through alternative paths. The NRU includes a packet processor that detects a failed link in the network and redirects packets away from the failed link to an intermediate node on an alternative path. The packet processor is further adapted to add information identifying the failed link to the redirected packet before tunneling the packet to the intermediate node using encapsulation. This ensures that the intermediate node can process the packet correctly, maintaining network reliability and minimizing disruption. The NRU may also include a monitoring module to detect link failures and a routing module to determine the alternative path. The packet processor handles the encapsulation and decapsulation of packets to facilitate tunneling, ensuring seamless data transmission despite link failures. The system improves network resilience by dynamically rerouting traffic and preserving packet integrity during redirection.
15. The NRU of claim 9 wherein the packet processor is further adapted to, responsive to receiving the packet redirected from the router associated with the NRU, add information identifying the identified failed link to the at least one new packet, and tunnel the at least one new packet to the intermediate node on or associated with the alternative path using encapsulation.
A network routing unit (NRU) is used to manage packet routing in a network, particularly when a link failure occurs. The NRU includes a packet processor that detects failed links and redirects packets away from them. When a router associated with the NRU receives a packet destined for a failed link, it forwards the packet to the NRU. The packet processor then generates at least one new packet and adds information identifying the failed link to these new packets. The processor then tunnels the new packets to an intermediate node on an alternative path using encapsulation, ensuring the packets bypass the failed link. This method improves network resilience by dynamically rerouting traffic around failures while maintaining packet integrity through encapsulation. The solution is particularly useful in networks requiring high availability and fault tolerance, such as data centers or telecommunications infrastructure. The NRU and its packet processor work together to identify failures, generate new packets, and redirect them efficiently, minimizing disruption to network traffic.
16. The NRU of claim 9 wherein the packet processor is further adapted to, responsive to receiving the packet redirected from the router associated with the NRU, determine whether or not there is a router in which both (1) a shortest path from the first NRU to the router does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, and (2) a shortest path from the router to a final destination of the redirected packet does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link; and responsive to a determination that there is a router in which both (1) a shortest path from the first NRU to the router does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, and (2) a shortest path from the router to a final destination of the redirected packet does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, set the router as the intermediate node, and otherwise, responsive to a determination that there is no router in which both (1) a shortest path from the first NRU to the router does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, and (2) a shortest path from the router to a final destination of the redirected packet does not include any known failed link, including the identified failed link, set another NRU as the intermediate node.
In network routing, packet delivery can be disrupted by failed links, requiring dynamic rerouting to maintain connectivity. A network routing unit (NRU) includes a packet processor that handles packet redirection when a link failure is detected. Upon receiving a redirected packet from a router, the packet processor evaluates available routing options to ensure reliable delivery. It checks for a router that meets two criteria: (1) the shortest path from the originating NRU to the router must avoid all known failed links, including the specific identified failure, and (2) the shortest path from the router to the packet's final destination must also avoid all known failed links. If such a router is found, it is selected as the intermediate node for forwarding the packet. If no qualifying router exists, another NRU is chosen as the intermediate node instead. This approach ensures packets are rerouted efficiently while avoiding known network failures, improving reliability in dynamic network conditions. The system dynamically adapts to link failures by continuously assessing the shortest available paths and selecting the most reliable intermediate nodes for packet forwarding.
17. The NRU of claim 16 wherein the other NRU is a farthest one that the NRU can reach without using any known failed links.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to network routing units (NRUs) in communication networks, specifically addressing the challenge of optimizing data transmission paths while avoiding known failed links. The technology focuses on improving network reliability and efficiency by dynamically selecting the most distant reachable network routing unit (NRU) without relying on any previously identified failed communication links. The system ensures robust data routing by continuously assessing network conditions and dynamically adjusting paths to maintain connectivity and performance. This approach is particularly valuable in environments where network links may intermittently fail, such as wireless or mobile networks, where maintaining uninterrupted communication is critical. The invention enhances network resilience by proactively avoiding problematic links, thereby reducing packet loss and latency. The solution involves real-time monitoring of link statuses and intelligent path selection algorithms that prioritize the farthest reachable NRU while ensuring all intermediate links are operational. This method improves overall network efficiency and reliability by minimizing disruptions caused by link failures. The technology is applicable to various network architectures, including mesh networks, where multiple redundant paths are available, and dynamic routing decisions are essential for maintaining optimal performance.
18. The NRU of claim 9 , further comprising: a computer-readable medium storing a first table having a plurality of entries, each of the plurality of entries of the first table mapping an address prefix to a router, and a second table having a plurality of entries, each of the plurality of entries of the second table mapping a router to an output port.
This invention relates to network routing units (NRUs) designed to improve packet forwarding efficiency in computer networks. The problem addressed is the need for faster and more scalable address lookup and routing decisions in high-performance networking environments. Traditional routing systems often rely on complex data structures that can become bottlenecks in high-speed networks, leading to delays and reduced throughput. The NRU includes a computer-readable medium storing two specialized tables to optimize routing decisions. The first table maps address prefixes to routers, allowing the NRU to quickly determine the appropriate router for a given destination address. The second table maps routers to output ports, enabling the NRU to efficiently direct packets to the correct network interface. By separating these mappings into distinct tables, the system reduces the complexity of each lookup operation, improving overall performance. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale networks where routing decisions must be made rapidly and accurately. The invention enhances scalability by allowing the tables to be updated dynamically, ensuring the NRU can adapt to changing network conditions without significant overhead. The use of these tables minimizes the time required for address resolution and routing, making the NRU suitable for high-speed networking applications.
19. A system of network rerouting units (NRUs) for providing resilience in a communications network including a plurality of routers and communications links between at least some of the plurality of routers, each of the NRUs being associated with one of the plurality of routers, each of which is configured so that if a link directly connected to the router fails, the router redirects any packets whose next hop is a port terminating an end of the failed link to its associated NRU, each of the NRUs comprising: a) a routing protocol module through which the NRU learns a topology of the communications network; and b) an input adapted to receive a packet redirected from the router associated with the NRU; and c) a packed processor adapted to, responsive to receiving the packet redirected from the router associated with the NRU, 1) identify a link directly connected to the router as a failed link using (i) a destination address in the redirected packet, and (ii) the topology of the network learned by the NRU, 2) determine an alternative path to the destination address of the redirected packet bypassing the identified failed link, and 3) tunnel the redirected packet to an intermediate node on, or associated with, the alternative path using encapsulation.
This invention relates to a system for enhancing resilience in communications networks by rerouting traffic when a direct link between routers fails. The system includes multiple network rerouting units (NRUs), each associated with a router in the network. If a link directly connected to a router fails, the router redirects packets destined for the failed link to its associated NRU. The NRU includes a routing protocol module to learn the network topology, an input to receive redirected packets, and a packet processor. The packet processor identifies the failed link by comparing the packet's destination address with the learned network topology. It then determines an alternative path to the destination that bypasses the failed link and tunnels the packet to an intermediate node on this path using encapsulation. This approach ensures continuous data flow despite link failures, improving network reliability. The system operates autonomously, requiring no manual intervention or centralized control, and works with existing routing protocols. The NRUs handle rerouting decisions locally, reducing latency and improving efficiency compared to traditional failover mechanisms.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method for providing resilience in a communications network including a plurality of routers and communications links between at least some of the plurality of routers, the method comprising: a) associating a network rerouting unit (NRU) with each of the plurality of routers; b) configuring each router so that if a link directly connected to the router fails, the router redirects any packets whose next hop is a port terminating an end of the failed link to the NRU associated with the router; c) executing a routing protocol on each of the NRUs whereby each NRU will learn a topology of the communications network; d) receiving by a first NRU, a packet redirected from the router associated with the first NRU; and e) responsive to receiving, by the first NRU, the packet redirected from the router associated with the first NRU, 1) identifying a link directly connected to the router as a failed link using (i) a destination address in the redirected packet, and (ii) the topology of the network learned by the first NRU, 2) determining an alternative path to the destination address of the redirected packet bypassing the identified failed link, and 3) tunneling the redirected packet to an intermediate node on, or associated with, the alternative path using encapsulation.
This invention relates to improving resilience in communications networks by dynamically rerouting traffic when a link failure occurs. The problem addressed is the disruption caused by link failures in networks with multiple routers and communication links, where traditional routing protocols may not immediately detect and respond to failures, leading to packet loss or delays. The solution involves associating a network rerouting unit (NRU) with each router in the network. Each router is configured to redirect packets to its associated NRU if the next hop for those packets is through a failed link. The NRUs execute a routing protocol to learn the network topology, enabling them to detect failed links and determine alternative paths. When an NRU receives a redirected packet, it identifies the failed link by comparing the packet's destination address with the known network topology. The NRU then determines an alternative path that bypasses the failed link and tunnels the packet to an intermediate node on this path using encapsulation. This approach ensures continuous packet delivery even during link failures, improving network resilience without requiring immediate global routing updates. The NRUs operate independently, allowing for localized and rapid failure recovery.
Unknown
August 27, 2019
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.